Hyderabad: India is getting ready to host the President of the United States. Donald Trump will arrive in India for a two-day visit on February 24th. With this visit, the strategic partnership between the two nations will be strengthened further.
Several bilateral agreements are likely to be made in many sectors including trade, defence and space. In the wake of this visit, several points are being discussed in many corners of the country.
All eyes are on the prospective trade deals between the two nations. There are speculations that the India-US trade deal will be finalized during this tour. Trump said that a trade agreement with India is possible during his upcoming visit if it is the right deal.
Extensive discussions are going on between the two nations. India is demanding the exclusion of high tariffs on steel and aluminum products and restoration of preferential tariff system through the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). India is adamant on increasing the marketing share for agricultural, automobile and engineering products.
On the other hand, US is also demanding an increase in market share for their dairy products and medical equipment besides reducing the import tariff on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) products.
Read more:India, US engaged in hectic parleys on trade deal
Recently, the US State Department has cleared a possible sale of an Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS) to the Government of India. US is likely to sign the deal worth USD 186 crores during the President’s visit to India.
The deal to buy 24 multipurpose MH 60 Romeo Seahawk helicopters from the US firm, Lockheed Martin is also likely to be finalized. The deal is valued at USD 260 crores. Boeing, another key US defense company plans to sell its F-15EX Eagle aircraft to the Indian Air Force.
Boeing has recently asked the authorities to grant export permit for the same. This deal is also likely to be discussed during Trump’s visit.
Certain sections of the US Congress have opposed the scraping of Article 370, which mandates a special status to Jammu and Kashmir. They have supported Pakistan’s stance in this regard.
Political analysts say that Trump had made it clear that he supports India’s decision through the upcoming visit. Trump had earlier announced that he is ready to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir dispute. He did not interfere after India made it clear that it was a bilateral issue.
The 2020 United States Presidential elections are around the corner. Trump is running for President this time too. Analysts think that Trump is trying to gain the votes of Indian Americans by this tour. The possibility of discussing Asian politics is also likely during his visit.
